Introduction

People who are deaf or have a hearing loss are often described using terms such as moderate, severe, or profound. While these labels can be helpful in certain medical or audiological contexts, they are frequently misunderstood outside those settings.

There are many causes and experiences of deafness, and no two people are the same. Labels may describe hearing levels on a chart, but they do not explain how someone communicates, how they identify, or what support they need in everyday life.

In this article, we explore some commonly used descriptions of deafness to support general understanding, while reinforcing an essential message: labels never define the person.

You may also see visual tools such as audiograms used to explain hearing levels. These can provide context, but they do not tell the full story of someone’s lived experience.

Understanding Audiograms and Hearing Levels

Audiograms are charts used by audiologists to measure hearing levels across different frequencies and volumes. They are primarily clinical tools, often used to guide decisions about hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other forms of support.

While audiograms can help explain hearing loss in technical terms, they have clear limitations.

Audiograms do not show:

• How someone communicates
• Whether someone uses British Sign Language
• How well someone understands speech in noise
• How tiring listening is for that individual
• How someone identifies culturally or socially

Two people with very similar audiograms may have completely different communication preferences and access needs. This is why audiograms should never be used as a shortcut for understanding someone’s experience.

Profound Deafness

Profound deafness is often described as the highest level of hearing loss on an audiogram.

People with profound hearing loss may not hear very loud sounds, even those around 100 decibels or more. For context, this is roughly the volume of a jackhammer.

Many people with profound hearing loss use British Sign Language as their first or preferred language and may identify as Deaf with a capital D, meaning they see themselves as part of the Deaf community and culture. However, this is not true for everyone.

Some people with profound hearing loss may:

• Use BSL
• Use written English
• Use speech
• Use a combination of communication methods

Communication preferences should always be guided by the individual, not assumed from a label.

Severe Deafness

Severe deafness is usually described as the level below profound on an audiogram.

People with severe hearing loss may struggle to hear loud speech and many environmental sounds. Some may use hearing aids or other technology, but amplification does not restore hearing to how it once was and does not remove all communication barriers.

For context, sounds around 80 to 100 decibels include:

• Busy traffic
• Loud kitchen appliances
• Crowded public spaces

Even with hearing aids, understanding speech in these environments can be extremely difficult and tiring.

People with severe hearing loss may use a wide range of communication approaches, and again, no assumptions should be made based on the label alone.

Moderate Deafness

Moderate deafness sits in the middle of the hearing loss scale and is often one of the most misunderstood levels.

People with moderate hearing loss may struggle to hear everyday conversation, especially in noisy environments such as offices, restaurants, or meetings. They may hear some speech but miss key details, tone, or context.

Hearing aids may be used, but it is important to remember:

• Hearing aids amplify all sound, not just speech
• Background noise can become overwhelming
• Listening can require significant effort and concentration

Because moderate hearing loss is less visible, people may be incorrectly assumed to hear “well enough,” which can lead to unmet access needs.

A Note on Labels and Language

Terms such as moderate, severe, and profound are labels. They are primarily medical descriptions used to guide assessment and technology.

They do not define:

• Intelligence
• Communication ability
• Cultural identity
• Connection to the Deaf community

Having a hearing loss does not automatically mean someone identifies as Deaf, and not all Deaf people describe themselves using medical labels.

One phrase that should never be used is “deaf and dumb” or “deaf and mute.”

This language is inaccurate, outdated, and deeply offensive. Deaf people are not “dumb,” and speech ability varies widely. Speech does not reflect intelligence, capability, or worth.

Respecting Individual Identity and Communication Needs

Every deaf person is different.

Inclusive practice starts by recognising that the individual is the expert in their own experience. The most respectful approach is always to ask rather than assume.

Useful questions include:

• How do you prefer to communicate?
• What support works best for you?
• What language do you use to describe yourself?

Respectful curiosity builds trust. Assumptions create barriers.

When organisations centre the individual rather than the label, communication becomes clearer, relationships stronger, and inclusion more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Understanding common descriptions of deafness can be helpful, but labels should never replace listening to the person.

People who are deaf or have a hearing loss have diverse identities, experiences, and communication needs. Audiograms and medical terms offer limited insight. Real inclusion comes from respect, openness, and asking the right questions.

And it is always worth repeating clearly and confidently:

Never, ever use the phrase “deaf and dumb.”